Dust storms, lightning kill 96 in northern India, Uttar Pradesh worst hit

Lucknow: Severe dust storms, heavy rain and lightning have killed at least 96 people across northern India, with Uttar Pradesh reporting the highest number of casualties, according to officials and state damage reports. More than 50 people have also been injured as extreme weather swept through multiple districts late Wednesday.

The storms struck suddenly across several parts of Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, causing widespread destruction to homes, crops and public infrastructure. Officials said most deaths occurred due to falling trees, collapsing walls and lightning strikes during intense wind activity.

In districts including Prayagraj, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Fatehpur and Mirzapur, multiple fatalities were reported. Prayagraj recorded the highest toll in some reports, while other districts such as Unnao, Badaun, Bareilly and Pratapgarh also saw deaths linked to storm-related incidents.

According to administrative officials, emergency response teams were deployed immediately after the storm. Clearance operations were carried out using cranes and chainsaws to remove fallen trees from roads, railway tracks and residential areas to restore connectivity and allow rescue movement.

A state damage assessment report said that at least 89 deaths were initially recorded in Uttar Pradesh alone, with later updates bringing the overall toll across northern India to 96. The report also noted that 53 people were injured and 114 animals were killed in storm-related incidents across affected districts.

Eyewitnesses described sudden and violent weather conditions. In Prayagraj, residents said the sky turned dark within minutes as strong winds uprooted trees and damaged rooftops. In Bhadohi district, families reported narrowly escaping as mud houses collapsed under pressure from high winds.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ordered officials to complete relief and rescue operations within 24 hours and directed authorities to ensure compensation and emergency aid for affected families.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued warnings for thunderstorms and lightning across parts of northern India ahead of the weather system. Officials linked the storms to pre-monsoon atmospheric changes, a period when dust storms and convective activity are common in the region.

Authorities continue to assess damage in affected districts as relief operations and restoration work are underway across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions.